North Texans Pack Job Fairs for "Something Better"

Worker satisfaction is lowest in 22 years

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According to a report by the Conference Board, only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their work. It is the lowest satisfaction level recorded in more than 22 years.

Updated at 7:15 PM CST on Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010

Nearly 2,000 people packed a pair of job fairs for a discount grocer Tuesday, and about half of whom were looking for a better job.

Chicago-based Aldi is opening 27 locations in North Texas this spring and is hiring about 400 people. While many Americans can't find work, about half of those who filled out applications at the job fairs in Dallas and Arlington are already employed.

Job Fairs Attract N. Texans

North Texans packed job fairs in Dallas and Arlington hoping to land jobs with new Aldi stores opening this year. (Published Tuesday, Jan 5, 2010)

"They have great benefits, great pay, and it seems like a place where people would really be interested in working as well," said applicant Whitney Clemons, of Burleson. "I definitely think that if you're not happy with your job then you're not going to be performing well."

According to a report by the Conference Board, only 45 percent of Americans are satisfied with their work. It is the lowest satisfaction level recorded in more than 22 years.

The survey also found that only 51 percent of U.S. workers find their jobs interesting, another low.

"Job satisfaction is something that we pay very close attention to, and I think all of our employees are satisfied in their positions," said Aldi spokesman Chris Daniels. "I mean, we offer great wages, but satisfaction is something that they're really looking for."

Brandy Flajole, of Fort Worth, recently started a job at Cowboys Stadium but was at one of Tuesday's Aldi job fairs to look for something better.

"I'd like to have a job that I enjoy doing so I can do it longer," she said. "But you know, right in this economy, you got to get the money in, too, to pay the bills and keep a roof over our heads."

Samantha Schauman, also of Fort Worth, was also applying, but said she knew she was lucky to already be employed.

"I thank God every day that I have a job, because I know there's a million people out there looking," she said.

Aldi is planning several more job fairs before its stores begin to open in March. For more information, visit: http://alditexasjobs.com.